EPDM: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) or Terpolymer which is simply a product consisting of three distinct monomers is a black rubber roof that is manufactured by the tire companies; such as Carlisle, Good Year, Firestone, etc. This is a black membrane and is very similar to a tire tube membrane, but much thicker and usually reinforced with polyester. This particular roofing system is not used as often in the south due to the heat.
EPDM is thin and most commonly single-ply. EPDM rubber roofs have been known to not fuse well together with piping, residing HVAC units, chimneys, and stack lines. All pose an additional threat to the integrity of your rubber roof. These are the areas where you are most likely to see leaks later on and will have to be resealed. While there are some disadvantages, EPDM roofs tend to be less costly and are also environmentally friendly as most are made out of recycled materials. These rubber roofs have been known to expand as well as shrink with the building.
EPDM can be installed by mechanical fastening, full adherence or ballasting. Rubber roofs can be reusable if they are mechanically applied or ballasted. The average lifespan of an EPDM rubber roof is 15 years.